Superintendent’s Memo #327-12

SUBJECT: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program was established in 1983 by the White House and is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology. The program identifies outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through grade 12, in each state and the four United States jurisdictions. These teachers will serve as models for their colleagues and will be leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Recognition is given to teachers of kindergarten through grade 12 in four award groups: elementary mathematics (K-6), elementary science (K-6), secondary mathematics (7-12), and secondary science (7-12). In 2013, up to six state finalists at the secondary level will be selected from Virginia (three in each secondary group). From these 2013 state finalists, a national committee will choose up to two national-level awardees (one in each award group) from Virginia. Each national awardee will receive a $10,000 personal award and an all-expense paid trip to recognition events and other activities in Washington, D.C.

Both the nomination form and the application packet must be submitted electronically. The nomination form and the application packet as well as complete directions are available on the NSF Web site at http://www.paemst.org. A completed nomination form must be submitted electronically with each application. All applications are due May 1, 2013.

For more information, please contact Michael Bolling, acting director, Office of Mathematics and Governor’s Schools, by e-mail at Michael.Bolling@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 786-6418; or Eric Rhoades, acting director, Office of Science and Health Education, by e-mail at Eric.Rhoades@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 786-2481.